I have to say, my favorite Christians are the ones who aren't afraid to be real. They openly admit they, like everyone else, are flawed. Our little coffee shop church in Washington had a "slogan" of No Perfect People Allowed. In other words, Everyone Welcome. Our pastor gave sermons in his Cowboys jersey if they were playing that day. His wife allowed others to see her struggle as a parent. They were real. They argued, and had debt, and flirted with each other, and sometimes fell flat.
A dear friend from high school went into the ministry, and I believe is one of the best witnesses God can have on this earth. He lives selflessly, lovingly, and with compassion. His wife and kids are as giving and loving as he is. Yet, they are not afraid of being real. They get mad at flat tires, and annoyed by the day to day sometimes.
I think when church leaders become "holier than thou" in the eyes of their congregation, they set up their people for failure. They give an unrealistic example of what kind of life you should lead. I've seen this in a church I attended as a kid, and it led to a very skewed view of what it meant to be a Christian.
I guess I'm trying to say I am grateful for those Christians I have met that curse from time to time, and break out a beer on the deck, or maybe have a tattoo or a gay brother. The Christians who stand up for those in need, or give of them self until they are beat, who live a life LIKE Jesus in showing he broke bread with more sinners than saints. They are accepting, of all.
